Traditional network security relied on a “perimeter model” (trusting everything inside the local office firewall). Zero Trust Architecture replaces this with the core rule: Never Trust, Always Verify.
1. Core Principles
- Verify Explicitly: Always authenticate and authorize users based on all available data points (identity, location, device health, service).
- Use Least Privileged Access: Restrict user access using Just-In-Time (JIT) and Just-Enough-Access (JEA) policies to prevent lateral movement.
- Assume Breach: Segment access by network, user, devices, and application. Minimize blast radiuses and encrypt all internal traffic.
2. Implementation Tip
Micro-segmentation involves breaking the network into isolated, secure zones. Even if one server is compromised, attackers cannot reach adjacent systems.